Vallejo mayor pushing for more officers, neighborhood watch programs

After months of burglaries and break-ins, a neighborhood effort is succeeding.

"We haven't had any (home break-ins) in 30 days," Tina Encarnacion announced Saturday afternoon during the Carriage Oaks neighborhood watch group meeting.

Encarnacion, the group leader, said eight burglaries also have been prevented by members of the group since Jan. 22.

"It's making a big difference," a member said. "I also get to know more of my neighbors."

The group of about 135 people has been diligently patrolling the North Vallejo neighborhood after getting tired of being victims of a rash of burglaries.

At a special meeting Saturday attended by about 50 people, Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis was invited to answer questions from the neighborhood residents, who had suggestions to improve safety themselves.

Inviting the Solano County District Attorney to a meeting to explain the juvenile court system was one suggestion, since a few of the suspects arrested in the burglaries have been under 18.

"They are just getting slaps on their hands, and being released back out," a concerned resident said.

When asked what Davis' plan on getting more officers into the department, he said that his goal is to add 10 more officers into the upcoming city budget, and another 10 into the following budget.

"A bigger police presence in the community will deter crimes, but it alone won't automatically make our community safe," Davis said. "We'll still need neighborhood watch groups."

Davis said he realizes that there are budget concerns when hiring police officers.

"That's subject to negotiation," he said. "While I respect the police and what they do, I'm one to say that the city can only pay what (it) can afford."

Davis estimated the 10 new officers would cost about $2 million.

The department is now budgeted for 98 officers, including five that are financed through Measure B, a 1 percent sales tax that Vallejo voters passed in 2011.

With recent attrition, the force has 87 sworn officers, and at least six of them are expected to retire by May.

Davis said he's encouraged to see the turnout of Saturday's meeting.

"They are really concerned and active," he said. "They've become the eyes and ears for the police department."

Two Vallejo police officers also attended the meeting.

The group had previously met with Vallejo police Chief Joe Kreins to voice their concerns. Members of Citizens on Patrol have since been patrolling the neighborhood, in addition to the regular police patrol.